Friday 10

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Friday 10: Carry-ons for the flight and beyond

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Carry-on luggage has been something of a hot button issue lately. American, Delta, and United reduced their carry-on size limits over the summer to 22" l l x 14" w x 9" h. 

Fees for checked baggage are the norm now, too. Two Canadian airlines, West Jet and Air Canada, recently started charging $25 for checked bags under the guise of making it cheaper for those who only travel with carry-ons. 

So what's a traveler to do? Fork over the fees or try to pack everything in an ever-shrinking carry-on? 

I fork over the fee! Unless I'm going on a short trip, I don't like to fit my whole trip into a carry-on. And as much as I like to pack light, I hate trying fight for overhead bin space.

Instead, I pack a small carry-on of my on-board essentials and a change of clothes. That's it. It's easy to travel with. No need to worry about checking anything at the gate. No fighting for space. 

So what does my ideal carry-on look like? Small, stylish, simple, zips/closes completely, and, ideally, is reusable on the trip. Today's Friday 10 is a list of some that fit the bill for me. 

#1 The Scout by Bradley Mountain

A beautiful, simple day pack made of waterproof Martexin Duck Canvas and leather. Not only is this easy to wear in the airport, but it would be a perfect day pack. I'm picturing going to a market, packing it full of goodies, and going on a hike. Entirely sourced and made in the USA. Also comes in Olive. 

#2 Rain Zip Tote by Bookhou

I love the pattern on this tote! It's eye-catching without being too loud. The bottom is a medium weight charcoal grey waxed canvas that gives the bag extra durability. The interior has a couple of roomy pockets. It zips fully, which can be difficult to find in a nice tote, and comes with a detachable leather cross body strap. Bonus: It's made in Toronto! Bookhou also makes some different sized totes in other cool patterns and solids. 

#3 Dry Bag by Winter Session

Yes, another waxed canvas bag because I love waxed canvas. It's durable, classic, and it only gets better with age. Winter Session makes this functional, handsome dry bag with some nicely placed exterior and interior pockets--including a phone and laptop sleeve.  Also comes in Olive.

#4 Twill Snap Backpack by Everlane

Another take on the classic backpack, this time by Everlane. Simple, versatile, easy to wear and use. Includes a padded laptop sleeve that will fit a 15" Macbook. The price is also pretty fantastic for something that will be in style for a long time. I love the leather details against dark navy color, but it's also available in a variety of other beautiful colors. 

#5 Filson Rolling Carry-On

The only rolling carry-on on my list. It's a splurge, but this Filson looks great and is built to stand the test of time. It's got business and leisure covered and fits the new carry-on size restrictions perfectly (for now, at least). Currently available in Tan and Otter Green.

#6 Westmore Collection Laptop Duffel by Hex

Something a little different from your usual laptop bag or briefcase. The pattern is subtle but warm and the leather details look beautiful while still being functional. This duffel also has padded, fleece lined compartments for your important devices, including an exterior phone pocket and interior laptop pocket. The laptop pocket is designed to fit a 15" Macbook Pro. The exterior is water resistant. More colors and patterns available from Hex here. 

#7 Courior Bag by Heritage Leather + Apolis

Heritage Leather and Apolis teamed up to make this bag and it doesn't get much more classically beautiful than this, in my opinion. American leather and 10 oz water repellant army duck. Adjustable shoulder strap. Holds a 17" laptop. Also available in navy, army, and earth. 

#8 The O.G. (Overnight & Gym) by Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons | The O.G. | $295 USD

Lo & Sons | The O.G. | $295 USD

My current carry-on is very similar to this, but it doesn't have all of the extras that make this one just about perfect. There's a padded laptop pouch! A padded tablet pouch! A separate compartment for shoes! I love me some compartments. Head over to the Lo & Sons website for a video of the bag in action. My only gripe is that they don't ship internationally. Shown in army green, but also available in black, navy, and espresso. 

#9 Overnight Bag by The Little Market

The Little Market's overnight bags come in a variety of happy, bright, beautiful patterns made from fabric that's handwoven by Guatemalan artisans. Maybe $240 seems a bit steep for this tote, but what I love about The Little Market is that they are committed paying artisans living wages for their unique, handmade pieces. Read more about their values here and check out what else they have to offer. (I'm a little bit in love with this striped seafoam towel)

#10 Le Pliage by Longchamp

Longchamp | Le Pliage | $145 USD

Longchamp | Le Pliage | $145 USD

I tried not to like Longchamp's Le Pliage for a long time. Who wants to pay $145 for a simple nylon bag? But somehow it's grown on my over the years because it's simple, iconic, and functional while still being stylish. It fits a ton of stuff and then folds down into a neat little pouch. After the flight you can toss it in your purse and take it with you or use it as a purse.  I admit, I'd happily wear and use one now! Available in 12 colors. 

Do you have any favorite carry-ons? Would your rather pack a big carry-on than pay a checked bag fee? Let me know in the comments. 

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

P.S.: You might want to check out my post on 10 weekender bags, too!

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Friday 10: Fall Books and Nooks

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A couple of weeks ago I updated my reading list and started thinking about how great it is to read a book set in the place you're visiting.

This week's Friday 10 is about just that: five autumn-worthy books paired with five dreamy nooks to read them in.

Rebecca & Cornwall

Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca is an atmospheric, suspenseful, gothic tale of love and fear. The narrator, the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter, is newly married when her widower husband takes her to his grand estate, Manderlay, on the Cornish coast. She is young, timid, and quickly becomes overwhelmed by the house. She is also haunted by the spectre of Rebecca, Maxim's first wife. I won't give much more away, but it is one of those books that sucked me from the first line: "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderlay again." And it didn't let me go for weeks after I finished reading it. 

There is no other place to stay when reading Rebecca than Polridmouth cottage on the Menabilly Estate. It's tucked away between the south coast of Cornwall, a freshwater lake, and private woodland.

Menabilly was one of Du Maurier's favorite places. She lived there with her family from 1943 to 1969. Although Milton Hall was the model for Manderlay, Menabilly was the inspiration for the estate's setting.

The Thirteenth Tale & Yorkshire

We're staying in England for our second pairing. Diane Setterfield's novel The Thirteenth Tale is about a young biographer, Margaret Lea, who is chosen to write the biography of ailing reclusive novelist, Vida Winter. Lea is confused as to why she was chosen, especially since she has never read Winter's work before. Since her father owns an antique book shop, she is able to get her hands on a rare copy of Winter's Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation. When Lea realizes there are only twelve tales in the book, she become increasingly interested in unraveling the mysteries surrounding Winter's life. 

The Thirteenth Tale takes place on the Yorkshire moors, so I thought Unique Home Stay's Bramblewick would be the perfect place to get cozy with the book. It has just about everything I could ask for in an English cottage: stunning views, a wood fireplace, numerous comfy places to hunker down with a book, and lots of walking trails from the house through the North York Moors National Park or around the Robin Hood's Bay (to fish and chips!). 

Imagine spending an afternoon walking the beautiful, wild moors and coming back to a hot tea, a view of the sea, and a gothic tale.

 

The Shadow of the Wind & Barcelona

We're off to post-war Barcelona now with Carlos Ruiz Zafón's The Shadow of the Wind. The book begins with Daniel and his father walking through the streets of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Daniel's father owns shop full of used and rare books. He is also one of the few people in the city who knows about and cares for the labyrinthine Cemetery of Forgotten Books, which keeps out of print books from being lost forever. Tradition dictates that when someone visits the cemetery for the first time, they must choose one book to keep and watch over. Daniel chooses (or does the book choose him?) a novel entitled The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax. As soon as he starts reading it, he becomes enthralled with the story and wants to find more from the author. 

Soon afterward, Daniel learns that all of Carax's books have been destroyed except for his copy, but someone is bound and determined to destroy it, too. While trying to protect the book, Daniel stirs up--and puts himself in the middle--of an old, dangerous unsolved mystery. 

The city itself is like a character in The Shadow on the Wind. My copy of the book even includes a walking tour of the important spots, which you can also find here. So the place I chose is a luxurious boutique hotel in the Barri Gòtic/Gothic Quarter called the Mercer Barcelona. I didn't go with a rental here because they tended to be very modern inside. I wanted something that seemed rooted in the past while still feeling luxe. It looks like the Mercer does that beautifully with its stone walls and exposed beams. It's also located within a short 10 minute walk to most of the major spots in the book. You'd be right in the middle of it all, but have easy access to the rest of the city. 

The Lantern & Provence

Deborah Lawrenson's The Lantern is a lush, modern gothic tale reminiscent of Du Maurier's Rebecca. It's the story of couple, Eve and Dom, who have a whirlwind romance and then fall in love with a dilapidated house with a beautiful garden in Provence called Les Genévriers. As the seasons turn and the relationship cools, Eve becomes suspicious of Dom's past. Meanwhile, Les Genévriers begins to reveal that it has its own mysteries. The book switches back and forth between two time periods, slowly revealing secrets and unraveling the stories along the way.

I chose Le Mas de Belleroche for where I'd want to stay while reading The Lantern. It's a private, sprawling farmhouse perched on a rocky hill within walking distance village of Les Baux de Provence. It's also a short drive to the beautiful St. Rémy de Provence. The house has a gorgeous garden, plentiful outdoor spaces, an inviting pool, and lots of typically Provençal rooms. I can imagine spending hours relaxing and reading about Les Genévriers here after touring around Provence for the day. Add in some wine, some fresh melon, and charcuterie platter. . .well, I don't think I'd ever want to leave.

Neverwhere & London

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman is something a little different from the rest of the books I chose. It tells the story of Richard Mayhew, your average, everyday good guy businessman living in London. His life changes in an instant when he stops to help a peculiar young girl who has been injured. Suddenly, Richard is part of the strange, magical subterranean world of London Below.

I downloaded the audiobook version of Neverwhere for the Audible free trial a few months ago. I've only listened to a bit, so I can't tell you how I feel about the whole thing, yet. I've loved every moment of it so far, though. The story is unique, magical and makes me feel like I'm listening to a fairytale for adults. I usually hate audio books but Gaiman does the reading and he has a way of making everything come alive. I only wish I had picked up the book before our trip to London last year. I think it would have been fun to imagine it coming alive around (and below) me. 

Naturally, I had to choose an interesting London flat for Neverwhere. When I stumbled across the Salisbury on London Perfect, I knew I'd found one! It's located in Kensington, close to the Tube and within walking distance to Museum Row and lots of shopping. The furnishings are opulent and modern--oh how I wish I could lazily read on that red leather couch right now--and there's a lovely little terrace overlooking a garden.  

That's it for this week! I hope these ideas stir up some fall reading and travel inspiration for you. It was fun to put together! I might have to do more of these. 

Do you have any book recommendations? I'm always open to ideas!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Friday 10: 3-1-1/TSA Bag Essentials

A few of weeks ago I did a Friday 10 of my long-haul flight essentials. Another tricky part of packing a carry-on is meeting the 3-1-1 Rule when flying out of the US or Canada.

What's the 3-1-1 Rule? All carry-on liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols must be:

  • In a container that holds 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less
  • Put in 1 quart clear plastic bag
  • One bag per traveler 

It's not always easy to pare down, so I put together a list of easy essentials that will to get your through the flight. 

tsabagessentials

I might be a little different in that I don't fully unpack my 3-1-1 bag when I arrive. There have been many times in my life I've been thankful to have something like a small deodorant or wet ones with me! 

As you will see, I also pack the bag so I have access to enough basics to freshen up and put on some minimal makeup if my luggage is lost or it's too early to check in at the hotel. It just makes life easier.

5 scents in 0.5 oz jars | $18.00 USD | Bergamot+Lime, Ylang-Ylang+Calendula and Lavender+Sage are my favorites!

5 scents in 0.5 oz jars | $18.00 USD | Bergamot+Lime, Ylang-Ylang+Calendula and Lavender+Sage are my favorites!

#1 Travel Deodorant

Because I want to arrive at my destination smelling good. I usually just pick up whatever is available at Walmart or Target in the travel section, which is what's shown in the above photo.

However, my favorite natural deodorant company, Schmidt's, recently started selling travel sizes on their Etsy store. I might do a separate post on Schmidt's one day because I love their scents and it's the only natural deodorant that works for me. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't stain my white shirts since it doesn't contain aluminum. 

Stick deodorants don't need to be in the TSA bag, but I put mine in there anyway just to keep everything together. Since Schmidt's is more of a cream, though, it would have to go into the bag anyway.  

#2 Travel Toothpaste 

I also carry a small toothbrush and travel-sized floss. I usually keep all of this in my purse after I land for those spinach-in-the-teeth moments.

It's not a problem, it's a collection. Yeah. 

It's not a problem, it's a collection. Yeah. 

#3 Hurraw! Lip Balm

Yep! I'm including this again (and probably again at a later date). Planes = dry air, dry lips, dry skin, etc. and Hurraw! is the only lip balm that doesn't irritate my lips. I carry at least two with me: one with SPF and one delicious smelling one without SPF.  Prices vary. I usually pay under $4.00 CAD. 

#4 Clinque Black Honey Almost Lipstick

This is such a wonderful product! It looks scary in the tube, but it has a cult following for its nearly universally flattering shade. It goes on sheer and is build-able. It adds that lovely, elusive "my lips but better" touch of color. The formula is moisturizing and feels fantastic on. It's one little thing that can help make you feel a little more put together after a long, tiring flight.

#5 Mascara

Having very blonde--almost invisible--eyelashes means I rarely leave the house without mascara on. Even if I put on some long-lasting, waterproof mascara for flights, I usually end up wanting to touch it up before we land. I stick to L'Oreal Voluminous ($7.29 USD) or Cover Girl Clump Crusher ($7.99 USD).

#6 Makeup Removing Cloths

I use these near the end of a long flight to freshen up and then apply the following sunscreen and moisturizer(s) before landing. I love Burts Bees Sensitive ($6.00 USD). Alternately, if there isn't much room in the bag, I will take a couple of dry Olay 4-in-1 Daily Facial Sensitive Cloths ($6.99 USD).

#7 Moisturizer(s)/Tinted Moisturizer

I love this NARS Perfectly Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. So much! It has a little more coverage than most tinted moisturizers, feels fantastic on, actually moisturizes, and has SPF 30. The only downside is the cost.

So as another option, I recommend a light moisturizer like Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel under a broad spectrum sunscreen. It's soft, lightweight and doesn't leave me feeling greasy. 

I also carry an unscented lotion for my hands. 

#8 Sunscreen

Being very pale has made me something of a sunscreen expert. I believe everyone should wear sunscreen daily, especially on their faces, to protect their skin and keep it healthy.

Not a believer? Watch this video. 

 

I'm currently using a broad spectrum, SPF 50, matte-finish Vichy with Mexoryl SX.  La Roche Posay's Anthelios Ultra-fluid Lotion SPF 60 (with Mexoryl) is also nice. They are both around $25 here in Toronto, but I don't think products with Mexoryl are available in the US.

I'm less picky about what goes on the rest of my body, though.  Sometimes I throw in a small travel-size sunscreen or sunscreen wipe if there's room. I worry less about this when going to Europe, especially France, because they have the good stuff when it comes to suncreens. 

#9 Hand Sanitizer

Any kind will do. I try to get unscented ones out of respect for the other people I'm packed into a metal tube with for hours on end. Not everyone likes the smell of juniper berry bliss or whatever. 

#10 Wet Ones Antibacterial

For gross tray tables, gross hands, gross anything that you might encounter on the plane or anytime afterward (I'm looking at you, public washrooms). I usually find the thin travel packs for about a dollar at the drugstore/Walmart/Target.

That's it for my essentials. If there's room leftover in the bag, I might toss in some extra stuff from time to time like a small travel-sized perfume (like these La Vanila ones). 

There are some reusable 3-1-1 bags on the market, like this one at REI or this one on Amazon.  I think $5 is a little steep for a plastic bag. I just us a Ziploc freezer bag. They've never let me down, and I like being able to replace them easily. 

I'd love to hear what you put in your 3-1-1 bag!

Hope you have a great weekend!

*Always check the rules and regulations of your departure country before your flight, just in case something has changed recently.